A City for Beer Lovers

Some beer lovers may flock to Portland and Seattle, but why not leave the rain behind and head to sunny downtown Scottsdale? The city is abuzz with breweries perfecting the art of beer making and restaurants serving up local suds. Grab some friends and walk, bike or take the trolley for a day of sipping, savoring and inadvertent spilling.

Named for the number of ounces that fill a beer growler, Craft 64 takes its brews seriously. Craft 64’s team uses their knowledge of Arizona beer to create a rotating list of 30 local taps – with options changing daily. And the restaurant pairs its extensive beer list with artisan wood-fired pizzas made with local organic ingredients and house-made mozzarella.

Not only is local favorite Four Peaks Brewing Company’s signature Scottish ale on tap at Citizen Public House, it’s also the not-so-secret ingredient in the restaurant’s lip-smacking fondue. But if ales aren’t your drink of choice, choose from a selection of rotating bottled brews at this public house.

Few pairings are as natural as beer and brats. Enjoy the best of both at Brat Haüs. All of the restaurant’s sausages are made in “haüs,” as are the soft pretzels and Belgian fries. Wash it all down with your choice of brews from Germany, Belgium and North America while playing a rousing game of giant Jenga or ping pong on the patio.

In 2016, Scottsdale’s McFate Brewing Co. was named the “Best Beer Bar in Arizona” by CraftBeer.com readers. This small-batch brewpub crafts some of the best local pale ales, hefeweizens, IPAs and more, and throws out new and seasonal selections often. Enjoy a pint with wood-fired pizza or a “Twists of Fate” Bavarian pretzel.

Pair barbecue specialties like pulled pork and prime beef brisket with a craft beer flight at this modern American smokehouse. Bootleggers serves up local favorites including Papago Brewing Co.’s Orange Blossom, SanTan Brewing Company’s Hefe, and seasonal selections from Four Peaks Brewery Company.

This family-owned and -operated brewery’s tiny taproom boasts ten craft beers all poured straight from the tanks. Visit the downtown Scottsdale establishment and sample the Desert Rose, made with organic Arizona cactus fruit and other indigenous botanicals.